Big, robust, seeding windmill in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

wetsuiter(7b/8a)September 28, 2012

These windmills at the Royal Rose B&B are frequently photographed and posted to this board by us locals and surprised tourists.

But few people think to walk around back to where the biggest palms live. I'll spare you the pics of the shorter male (12'), which is beautiful in the spring covered with yellow inflorescence. The female towers over the male. Estimate it between 15 and 20'. This time of year, it's covered with developing seeds. Some predicted her demise when she started peaking over the 6' privacy fence which blocked winter winds, but apparently nothing bothers this beast.

We're really lucky here in Coastal Southern Delaware. We can grow great, unexpected plant material. Windmills, needles and minors are proven great performers here. Birminghams do great, but are hard to come by. More tender palms like Mediterranean fans and pot grown palmetto and other subtropicals like oleander are being tried more and more and show great promise with proper seating. Unfortunately, unprotected pindos seem to be just out of reach in our borderline zone.

If you look to the bottom left of the big palm, near the fake deer, you can see the top of a baby windmill that is probably three years old. There are many babies around her base. I've convinced the owner that we need to transplant them in other areas on the street next spring.

Remamber 5 years ago? We didn't see much around here.. now look at all you have up in your area. I bet in 5 more years, you will see a big change including what you have introduced to your area. They don't realize what you are doing for the Palms to come back to the Eastern Shore and points North into Delaware.. Let the Zones be pushed!!

Way to go V. All of my palms are doing great. They have grown and are looking good. Hard to believe they have been in my yard now for 18 years.. I dont climb the ladders anymore.. Son has that duty to cut old fronds..